First-Ever Women in Automotive Convention Announced

June 1, 2015—The inaugural Women in Automotive Convention will take place Aug. 18-20 in Orlando, with the purpose of assisting automotive companies in recruiting, developing and retaining female employees and leaders.

The three-day conference includes speakers, breakout sessions, workshops and displays centered around the goal of educating and inspiring women in all areas of the automotive industry.

Currently, women make up just 17 perfect of employees at auto dealerships, according to NADA. Organizers of the conference are working to raise this number.

The conference will take place at the Ballroom at Church Street in Downtown Orlando. Lisa Copeland, current managing partner of Fiat of Austin, will be the keynote speaker.

"The topic of women in the automotive industry hits very close to home for me, because for women, the struggle is real," Copeland said. "The event's organizers are women who have been in the automotive industry for many years, and I am honored to be part of this precedent-setting event."

"With female consumers making greater than half of the major purchasing decisions, like buying a car, it is ironic that such a low percentage of women are employed by dealers,” said Christy Roman, president of NOW Digital and Women in Automotive co-founder. “We think there's an opportunity to help women see the career possibilities that exist in the industry, and this conference will help facilitate cultural changes inside dealerships to increase the population of female employees."

Attendees will hear the about Copeland’s journey in the male-dominated industry and how under her leadership, Fiat of Austin was named the No. 6 Best Workplace in North America by Automotive News in 2013. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Marie Claire.

For more information or to register for the convention, visit the event’s site.